Pre intermediate level what does it mean. Intermediate level - what is it? What does the Intermediate level mean? – Upper elementary

Sooner or later, any person studying English wonders what his level of proficiency in this language is. It is quite important to know why such a division is generally adopted and how the various groups are designated - with their help it will be much easier to understand whether the result planned in the study has been achieved or not.

English levels

We know only six levels of English proficiency. With their help, you can easily divide students into different groups and categories, taking into account knowledge and skills in different areas of the language: speaking, reading, listening and writing. There is also a list of international exams that use this leveling system; people take them to prepare for travel, immigration, business trips and admission to educational institutions.

If you want to independently determine which level of English you are at, then try to correctly assess the amount of your skills and learned information in several aspects. Below you will find a list of the features of each of the six levels, based on which it will be easier for you to make your choice.

Elementary

This level is the very first in training and is otherwise referred to as A1. Here, on this level of "survival", you vocabulary does not exceed 1500 words, and are available for understanding short phrases and suggestions about simple things, such as household needs. You speak a little English: you can introduce yourself and others, ask the simplest questions and give elementary answers. Speaking of listening, it is worth noting that by ear you understand only slow and clearly spoken speech, in which the interlocutor will help you understand the meaning of what you hear.

Pre-Intermediate

The so-called pre-threshold level with the designation A2. It is he who is the transition to professional knowledge of the language. Here you can form coherent sentences, express simple judgments and thoughts, know the very basics of grammar. This level of language can be called the lower bar before preparing for passing international tests and exams.

intermediate

Intermediate is considered to be the intermediate level of English proficiency. It is designated as B1 and is suitable for you if you can reason on various topics, watch videos in English, read simple texts like brochures and advertisements, and are also able to write an elementary short letter or essay. Here you will need a larger vocabulary - already at the level of 2750-3250 words.

Upper Intermediate

This is an advanced intermediate level with the short designation B2. Requires serious knowledge and a fairly wide vocabulary - about 3250-3750 words. Here you should discuss and express your opinion on topics of various subjects, including complex ones. For example, your skills should allow you to easily describe your field of activity. You need to communicate freely and without difficulty, raising a wide variety of topics and problems in dialogues, and finding ways to solve them. You also need to be able to write at a more serious level: writing a letter or essay on an unfamiliar or unfamiliar topic is also included in the B2 level of preparation. By ear, speech is perceived much easier: you already watch English-language television, for example, TV shows.

Advanced

This proficiency level is designated as C1 and assumes that you are fluent in Everyday life. It is necessary to have a large vocabulary - at least four thousand - this will help to perceive and understand texts of any complexity of a large volume. The owner of C1 speaks confidently, freely and without using pauses in speech to select the right words. The spheres of life and activity in which you can use the advanced level are very different: science, culture, work, domestic issues. You can easily write texts of any orientation and conduct correspondence on a wide range of topics.

Proficiency

If you speak English at the level of a native speaker, then you are assigned this level called C2. Here it is necessary to demonstrate perfect mastery of all facets of this foreign language. You spontaneously speak on any of the proposed topics, speak and argue your opinion freely, perfectly perceive speech by ear and are able to understand any read text.

This classification by levels of knowledge was proposed back in 1989-1996, and has the full name of the Common European Scale of Language Competence. The goal of creating CEFR is simple - to provide educational recommendations for all those who study foreign languages ​​(this also includes Russian).

How to understand that you need to start learning a language with Pre-Intermediate?

If you studied English at the previous level and completed it, then you should move on to Pre-Intermediate. Perhaps, once you started learning a language at a university or school, but you are not sure that the necessary knowledge has been obtained. A2 is also suitable for people who remember something from foreign lessons, but have not put it into practice for a very long time.

We list some of the skills that you must have in order to secure your Pre-Intermediate level of English:

  • you know a little about the basics of grammar, but you confuse tenses and you can speak using only the simplest sentence structures;
  • you have a good vocabulary (about 1500 words);
  • you practically do not perceive the speech of an English-speaking interlocutor by ear, or understand, but very poorly. Especially when it comes to a native speaker.

A variety of students can possess this level: someone does not have a well-developed grammar, someone does not perceive the speech of the interlocutor by ear, and some do not have enough vocabulary to express their thoughts more widely.

What material do you need to master?

Knowledge of any foreign language should not be considered by you from any one side - there is a whole list of categories for learning that you should pay attention to. You must have appropriate knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, speaking, reading, listening and writing. Each category has its own material, the development of which will bring you closer to reaching level A2.

Grammar

One of the most difficult parts in learning English involves knowledge of the following topics:

  • basic English tenses:present, Past and Future Simple, present and Past Continuous, present and past perfect;
  • ability to work with structuresto be going to, used to do and to be used to;
  • interrogative sentences of different types, where the word order may be different);
  • all degrees of comparison of adjectives;
  • Are you familiar with the concept ofQuantifier(sentences usinga little and a few);
  • you understand the principles of using the infinitive and gerund, you know in which cases the ending is used after verbs -ing, and in which - infinitive withto;
  • understanding various modal verbs likehave to/don't have to, must/musn't, can/could, may/might, should/shouldn't is also an important indicator;
  • you know what conditional sentences are and what types they are;
  • understanding the principles of passive voice;
  • the ability to correctly paraphrase direct speech into indirect speech.

Vocabulary

As mentioned earlier, a good vocabulary at this level of English is indispensable. Have 1,500 to 2,000 words and phrases on hand that you can easily use in your daily life.

You should have an idea of ​​what idioms and phrasal verbs are - some of them you need to know, as well as various forms words.

in oral and writing at the level of language proficiency A2, words such asso, either, neither, no more, anymore, too, enough, no longer, whenever, if, when, as, like.

speaking

What does speaking at level A2 involve? First of all, you must correctly and clearly pronounce all the words you know.

You will be able to talk in a few sentences (about 15) about a topic, such as your family, profession, hobbies or outlook on life.

It is also important to use phrasal phrases in speech and to know that a preposition in combination with a verb does not have to be translated literally, but can have another, unusual meaning.

Are you good at short stories? everyday topics, are able to catch their main idea, even if not all words and phrases will be known to you.

Talking with a native speaker, using all the words you know in speech, is also not difficult.

Some words that you cannot pronounce in English, you can describe in other, easier and more appropriate phrases.

Reading

Reading also has its own standards, with the help of which language proficiency is achieved at the Pre-intermediate level:

You know that you are able to read literature adapted to this level, as well as brochures, advertisements, simple articles from newspapers and magazines.

In texts that are not adapted to the level, you can also orientate, albeit not so well: even among unfamiliar words, you manage to catch the main idea of ​​what is written.

listening

Spoken language that has an average pace and includes words from your vocabulary is understood by you without difficulty.

Viewing all kinds of videos in English such as TV shows, movies or series is carried out using subtitles in the original language.

You know about the role of intonation in speech and distinguish between stress and pronunciation of various sounds.

Audiobooks adapted for A2 will also be within your power.

Letter

This level of language proficiency assumes the ability to write short stories on elementary topics: a story about yourself, about your place of birth, family, a description of what you saw or expressing an opinion on any issue.

You will also be able to write short letters on general simple topics or postcards with congratulations.

What does the A2 Pre-Intermediate level give?

First, yourVocabulary . You will learn a lot of set expressions, phrasal verbs, new vocabulary, which is widely used by native speakers in speech. You will have access to a much larger number of topics for conversation and free reasoning.

Work on skillsReading will also go a long way. You will significantly improve your skills in understanding complex texts: articles from magazines and newspapers, correspondence, guidebooks, texts adapted to the A2 level. By understanding what you read, you will be able to discuss it with others and express your opinion more fully.

At this level, tasks forlistening . Here, many begin difficulties that can be overcome by training a lot. As a result, you will be able to understand a fairly fast pace of speech, large texts and extensive lexical content.

Skill trainingWriting will let you know how good your knowledge is grammar basics language. You will put a lot of emphasis on this part of the program, delve into understanding the structure of the text, clichéd phrases, the use of conjunctions, and so on. You will learn how to write informal letters and essays on a variety of topics.

At this level, you will start to use skills much better.Speaking , but so far only on topics familiar to you, such as a story about family, yourself, hobbies, preferences. You can feel free to talk about your trip or chat in cafes and shops with English-speaking staff. Expressing your thoughts and opinions on a number of issues will not be very difficult.

If you master the level of English called A2, you will open up a world of confident and high-quality use of this language in everyday life. You will be able to successfully prepare for international exams, communicate abroad, express your opinion and much more.

When you have already mastered the initial level, it's time to move on - Pre-intermediate will allow you to master new syntactic and lexical schemes, and pay attention to communication skills.

At this stage, it is meant to study new, complex topics of grammar and expand the base of words through new variants of lexical forms. For example, our teachers will analyze in detail the types of questions in English and talk about universal answers, as well as consider the nuances correct pronunciation. The topic of English tenses is one of the most difficult, more than one lesson is devoted to it, however, knowledge of the rules will make it possible to understand the text even in cases where you do not know some of the words.

Thanks to experienced teachers and a methodology that has proven to be very effective, English Club TV channel cycles will allow you to learn English without boredom. Expressions and a set of words from the lessons can be put into practice right away, and interesting topics help you get to know London and Britain in general.

Build a successful career international company Do I need to take IELTS or TOEFL? The exams necessarily include not only a conversational block, but also an English grammar test, so it is worth planning your preparation taking this fact into account. Our programs are aimed at the uniform study of all levels of the language, which will help you successfully cope with any test.

Pre-intermediate videos

  • Everything is great until students are faced with one unpleasant aspect of learning English - the need to know grammar. Many people hate grammar lessons if the material is not presented well enough. And doing exercises or reading books seems boring to them. To solve this problem, you need to not just memorize grammar rules, but try to speak English as often as possible, applying these rules. Sheryl Lowe, host of City Grammar, is here to help. In this program, she walks around the bustling city, showing viewers the local […]

  • For those people who are learning business English, and have already overcome the initial level, it is important to replenish vocabulary at an accelerated pace, memorize official expressions and phrases. And where can you hear these phrases more often than in the news release? Having mastered standard language constructions, you will be able to freely express your thoughts and keep up a conversation in given topics. This is exactly what the average level of knowledge of English implies. ECTV Simple NEWS video lessons are not just educational material that will help you learn English quickly and efficiently. It […]

  • English Club TV offers new approach to learning English. In the program "English Up" viewers are told about the way of life of the British. The host of the program is a native speaker. His lessons are dedicated various topics- from public transport in the UK to eating habits. At the end of each program, viewers can take a test to see how well they have learned the material. English Up is a great show for English learners!

  • Is learning English not your only goal? Do you want to expand your knowledge in different areas and become a real erudite? Then our program is just for you. This is not just boring encyclopedic knowledge. This is the most incredible thing that nature can surprise us with. All the information in Flash Facts is accompanied by a great visual design, so it will be much easier to perceive and remember. This will help increase comprehension and make video English lessons even more interesting. Coming to the middle […]

  • Do you know how to learn English grammar without boring textbooks? With the Grammar Wise program, studying will turn into an exciting experience. The programs are designed specifically for students with a Pre-Intermediate language level (below average). Tom Headley, host of the program, shows videos of interesting life situations. Then he explains in detail which grammatical rules were used by native speakers in the conversation. The conversations are divided into several parts. After each part, the facilitator asks a few questions regarding the grammar rules used in the video.

  • If you often make grammar mistakes, "Grammar Wise" is a great choice for you. This program consists of a series of video lessons that will help you improve your level of English easily. In each episode, Host Tom Headley shows interesting videos to help you improve your grammar. At the end of each lesson, you will be able to test yourself by answering a few questions on the topic covered. Grammar Wise will help you speak English confidently.

  • English is the universal language used throughout the world. Studying it has many benefits. The ability to communicate with people from different countries opens the door to a world of possibilities. The hosts of “Here and there” tell interesting facts about different countries. Stories are accompanied by photos or videos. At the end of each broadcast, viewers are asked to complete several tasks related to the lesson. For example, connect images with words or complete sentences. “Here and there” is a great program that will help you learn grammar, become fluent in […]

  • AT modern world debilitating for many people gymnastic exercises seem like a waste of time and boring. They have no motivation to play sports and lead healthy lifestyle life. "Keep fit" is a program that makes sports interesting even for the laziest, and also helps to learn English. Trainers show and explain different exercises in English. The lessons are simple and understandable to everyone. They help adults and children lead a healthy lifestyle. Play sports and learn a language with […]

  • Do you want to speak English like a native speaker? “Perfect English” is a series of video lessons designed for those who want to improve their pronunciation. The transmission takes place outdoors. The leader is walking different corners Great Britain and tells the audience about them. She explains in great detail how to pronounce sounds correctly in certain words. “Perfect English” is a program for students with a level of language proficiency from elementary to intermediate.

  • “Say it right” is a program for those who want to learn or improve their pronunciation. The words are spoken slowly and clearly so that the viewer can understand. First of all, the teacher tells the theory of certain sounds. Then he uses them in words, after which he combines these words into sentences. The viewer is given time to repeat sounds and words after the leader. Moreover, the program tells interesting facts about the origin of words and their use in our time.

  • “Speak up” is a fun program that helps viewers learn various idioms. The host of the program analyzes and explains their meaning, origin and use in speech. She shows how to pronounce these idioms correctly and in what position the facial muscles should be. Lessons help viewers learn new set expressions, as well as improve their pronunciation.

  • This program will help you learn English words related to everyday topics. Chris, the host of the program, names the items we all use every day, as well as the activities we do every day. For example, in one of the lessons, he appears in the bathroom with a toothbrush and toothpaste, explaining his actions step by step in English. All words used by the presenter are displayed on the screen. Learn everyday English with the “Step by step” program!

  • Step-by-Step is a program that helps you improve your English language skills, whether it's everyday communication or business English. These exciting programs are useful for students of all ages. Each of them includes different aspects of learning English, such as improving listening, speaking and writing skills. The best thing about these lessons is that you can watch them over and over again until you master the lesson.

    Regularity is the basis of any learning, and even more so when it comes to learning a language. If at least at the end of the week you can afford to set aside an hour for study, then The week in Review program is great for you. With it, you will really save time, you will not only learn English, but also get acquainted with the most important world events over the past week. Our video English lessons have acquired a news form not by chance. The vocabulary in these shows is perfect for […]

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The list of grammar topics has been compiled to help self-taught English learners. To get started, determine your current level of English by going through. Then read the recommendations in the article . After that, start learning grammar.
This program is compiled in accordance with European standards. It may differ slightly from other similar programs in other sources, but this does not make it less effective.

1. Word order in questions

Where does your sister work? - Where does your sister work?

What did they talk about? - What were they talking about?

What was that noise? - What was that noise?

2. Present Simpleа adverbs of frequency

She's never late - She's never late

Do you often go to the gym? – Do you often go to the gym?

She doesn't like her job - She doesn't like her job

3. Present continuous or Present simple

What are you doing?- What are you doing now?

What do you do?- What do you do in life? (What's your job?)

We aren't working at the moment. We're eating– We are not working at the moment, we are eating

4. Past simple: regular and irregular verbs

I stayed with a friend - I'm staying with a friend

We went to Costa Rica We went to Costa Rica

5. Past Continuous

Last Saturday I was working in my office – Last Saturday I worked in my office.

She was wearing black dress – She wore a black dress

6. Past Simple & Past Continuous

While I was reading the book, she phoned me While I was reading a book, she called me.

When we left home, it was raining - It was raining when we left the house.

7. To be going to + infinitive

I'm not going to talk to him again - I'm not going to talk to him anymore.

It's winter so the weather is going to be cold It is winter now so the weather will be cold

8. Present continuous (for future)

She's meeting her friend tonight – She is meeting a friend tonight

We're watching the movie tomorrow We are watching a movie tomorrow

9. Defining relative clauses: who, which, where, that

Cat is an animal which lives with people – A cat is an animal that lives with people

Friend is a person who is always ready to help A friend is a person who is always ready to help

10 Present perfect: yet, just, already

I've already finished my homework – I have already finished my homework

She's just phoned - She just called.

11. Something/anything/nothing (for people, places, things)

Somebody has taken my pen - Someone took my pen

I can't see anybody - I don't see anyone.

Nobody is here - Nobody's here

12. Comparatives

It's more interesting to watch a film than to read a book – It is more interesting to watch a movie than to read a book

My brother's taller than me - My brother is taller than me.

13. Superlatives

It's the biggest city in the world - It is the largest city in the world.

It's the most beautiful flower I've ever seen - This is the most beautiful flower, of all that I have ever seen

14. Quantifiers (too much, too many, enough)

I have too much stress at work – I have too much stress at work

Do you eat enough vegetables? – Do you eat enough vegetables?

This chair is not comfortable enough This chair is not comfortable enough

15. Future simple: will/won't (predictions)

The film is in French so I won't understand anything – The film is in French, so I don’t understand anything.

I think I'll fail the exam - I think I will fail the exam.

16. Future simple: will/won't (decisions, offers, promises)

I'm tired so I'll go home I'm tired so I'm going home

Shall I open the window - Let me open the window.

I won't tell anybody - I will not tell anyone

17. Infinitive with to & gerund (verb + -ing)

I need to buy some new clothes - I need to buy new clothes.

He left without saying goodbye He left without saying goodbye

18. Have to, don't have to, must, mustn't

I have to get up at 7 o'clock every day – I have to get up at 7 am every day

We don't have to wear a uniform at work We don't have to wear a uniform at work

You must do your homework tonight You have to do your homework tonight.

You mustn't be late for work You are not allowed to be late for work.

19. Should/shouldn't

You should take your coat. It's cold outside You should take your coat, it's cold outside.

You shouldn't work so hard, you'll get ill You shouldn't work so hard, you'll get sick

20. First conditional: if + present, will/won't

If I miss the last bus, I'll get a taxi – If I miss the last bus, I will take a taxi.

If you don't go, she won't be pleased If you don't go, she won't be happy.

21. Possessive pronouns: mine, mine etc.

Whose book is this? - Whose book is this?

It's my book - It is my book

No, it's mine! - No, it's mine!

22. Second conditional: if + past, would / wouldn't + inf

If I had one million dollars, I would by an island – If I had one million dollars, I would buy an island

If I were you, I would ask her for a date - I would ask her out on a date if I were you.

23. Present perfect: for, since

How long have you known your best friend? How long have you known your best friend?

Pre-Intermediate - the level to which all those who have already left the Beginner courses behind them, but cannot yet say that they speak English at a solid intermediate level, go to. And you need to know the peculiarities of this intermediate level at least in order to control the process of your learning, to be able to choose the most suitable textbooks, manuals, courses. In fact, the line between Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate is quite thin, some courses omit intermediate levels altogether, offering groups only for beginners, intermediates and advanced. However, if it is necessary to pass any exam, this difference will be very noticeable indeed.

For example, in order to successfully pass the exam in English, you must have an Intermediate or Upper-Intermediate level. This exam does not require anything super complex, only the most general grammar and vocabulary, but the knowledge must be reliable. The level of English Pre-Intermediate in this case will be clearly insufficient, because it is somewhat unstable. The knowledge is there, but it is still too sketchy. There is no freedom or confidence in answering grammar questions, reading or listening, although everything seems very familiar.

To understand the difficulty of dividing a language into levels, try to answer the question: how does knowledge accumulate from lower levels to higher ones in general? Getting acquainted with phonetics and pronunciation, we must inevitably master some set of words, at least the simplest grammatical constructions, etc. In fact, when studying a language, we do not move up the steps, stepping from one to another, but we plunge into a reservoir, going deeper and lower, and seeing in front of you everything the same as it was at the beginning, but in a broader perspective.

Pre-Intermediate versus Beginner and Intermediate levels

At the previous level, Beginner or Elementary, we get acquainted with a wide variety of topics, such as greetings, talking about yourself, characteristics of people; household vocabulary is assimilated (clothes, furniture, food, etc.) The student learns the rules of reading, at the end of the initial course he can really read, but only fairly simple texts, reading the rest can hardly be called such, rather it is analysis of texts with a dictionary, and not reading. A beginner can fill out a survey or e-mail a friend a happy birthday, but a lengthy email recounting all the local news will require strenuous effort. His manner of reading resembles the reading of a child who has just learned how syllables form words, and still spends quite a lot of effort on the actual process of reading, and not on understanding. And even if he reads fluently, he encounters many seemingly read, but completely incomprehensible passages. Beginner's knowledge is enough to communicate with gestures and words at the airport, shop, on the street. Any interlocutor will understand you, but will also understand that your knowledge is very shallow and will try to speak more slowly and simply.

At the Pre-Intermediate level, all the same knowledge is deepened, emphasis is placed on grammar and further expansion of the vocabulary. The main thing at the end of this level is to master the structure of the language, since at the next level an active movement "in breadth" already begins, it is not for nothing that Intermediate is sometimes called functional in the West, because it is a reliable knowledge base that provides a lot of opportunities, including for work or study at the university. You need to be prepared for this, therefore, at the Pre-Intermediate level, basic ideas about grammar are collected, which are finally fixed at the Intermediate level. All other skills, such as reading, speaking, develop, but it is at this level that different students clearly reveal their inclinations and abilities. Someone understands that he has excellent hearing and a certain artistry - he perfectly recognizes the nuances of pronunciation and reproduces them, someone, on the contrary, has a strong logical mind and clicks grammatical tasks like nuts, but cannot connect two words in any case , it is felt that the student has not yet reached the "fireproof amount". If he stops studying at this moment, he will inevitably forget most what he taught, and subsequently he will have to start all over again.

If at the elementary level the student understands only clear and slow speech on familiar topics, at the intermediate level he can listen to and understand any popular TV shows, then Pre-Intermediate, the level that is intermediate between them, is very difficult to characterize unambiguously. Yes, you can already understand fluent speech, but selectively. You can talk about your musical tastes, but find it difficult to justify your preferences. You can read not only fairy tales, but also adults literary works. Although it would be difficult to call it pleasure, because you will have to carry out some translation work incomprehensible words and parsing complex structures, because even the most fascinating detective stories by Agatha Christie, written in a fairly simple and clear language, cause difficulties for students with a Pre-Intermediate level.

Vocabulary at various levels is approximately:

  • Beginner - 1000 words;
  • Pre-Intermediate - 1200 words;
  • Intermediate - 1500 words.

Of course, these figures are highly arbitrary. Some courses offer such a Pre-Intermediate, at the end of which you will know about 1800 words. In any case, in order to communicate freely or read as native speakers do, you need to know about 8 thousand words. If you know more, then we are talking about special knowledge or erudition. 1500 words - this is enough for everyday everyday communication or confident, but not yet free reading.

Pre-Intermediate - the level at which you can:

  1. Speak familiar words clearly and understandably.
  2. grammatically correct sentences in oral and
  3. Tell about yourself, describe a situation or a person, express an opinion.
  4. Ask the interlocutor to explain the incomprehensible place.
  5. Feel confident in everyday life and on tourist trips.
  6. Capture the main meaning of any text, including scientific articles.
  7. Read with a dictionary literary works written in simple language.
  8. Distinguish all sounds, it is good to hear familiar words in fluent speech. It is good to understand clear, not too fast speech.
  9. Write a fairly meaningful letter to a friend using simple grammatical constructions.
  10. Fill out the form, questionnaire, questionnaire.

Pre-Intermediate - the level at which it is impossible:

  1. Freely read literary works "that you have long dreamed of."
  2. Understand the nuances of the style of a particular author.
  3. Talk with friends on difficult philosophical topics.
  4. Understand people who have some kind of pronunciation, such as fluent, accented speech.
  5. Keep up a simple conversation on a topic that you "didn't go through", for example, discussing with a car-lover neighbor his new car if you typed your vocabulary on travel texts.
  6. Confidently make a scientific report, make a presentation and answer questions from the audience.

Of course, as mentioned above, all these skills depend on the course, the purpose and direction of training. For example, people with general level Pre-Intermediates can successfully communicate on work topics, for example, in the IT field. Of course, this is possible subject to the study of specific vocabulary. And although everything else, like watching popular movies, will be difficult, in certain situations a person with a Pre-Intermediate English level will feel confident.